More help for city’s addicts

A shake-up of addiction services in Sheffield will offer more help for those with drug and alcohol problems – in the hope of preventing cases like that of tragic Beverley Pickorer.

The council’s drug and alcohol co-ordination team DACT plans to bring in a trio of services for those addicted to substances including alcohol, over-the-counter and prescription drugs, cannabis and heroin.

The schemes will mean Sheffield residents with substance misuse issues can access help more easily, with a ‘tailored approach’ to support their recovery.

On Monday The Star reported that Beverley is dying of liver cirrhosis, aged just 35, following years of heavy drinking which saw her downing 40 cans of lager a day at her worst.

Her story has since made the newspaper headlines nationally, and she has been featured on This Morning on ITV, as an example of the shocking effects of chronic alcohol abuse.

Proposals have been developed following an eight-week public consultation, and were approved at a cabinet meeting yesterday.

Harry Harpham, Sheffield Council’s cabinet member for homes and neighbourhoods, said: “Following a review of the original service we asked the public, health officials and our stakeholders how we could run our drug and alcohol services differently.

“The services will continue to promote independence and self-help, support individuals to improve their health and wellbeing and reduce dependence on these services in the long run.

“Streamlining the services also helps us save money on building and infrastructure costs and concentrate on helping people get their lives back on track.”

According to Public Health England, around 2,500 people are treated for alcohol and drug abuse in Sheffield every year, but only 250 complete their treatment successfully.